Endorsements Roll in for Marco Rubio

In a normal presidential election, any endorsement is in some way beneficial. This presidential election, however, is far from normal. Because of the political environment, the anti establishment vibes, Rubio’s recent endorsements are a double edged sword.

After the Iowa Caucus, Rubio’s campaign fervor went up a gear. This is surprising, because he came in third. There were jokes, like when is bronze the new gold, but for Rubio, it was because of the electorate he was dealing with. Rubio was expecting to be much further down the list in such a right leaning state, especially with his immigration record. For this reason, third was as good as first.

Even before the Iowa Caucus, Rubio started to pick up some endorsements. It really is not a secret that the establishment Republicans want him to be the nominee, as he was basically vetted after his speech at the Republican National Convention for Mitt Romney. Since then, he has been back by powerhouses such as the Koch Brothers and Sheldon Adelson. And the night before the Iowa Caucus, breaking news was that he would get the endorsement from Seantor Tim Scott, a very influential senator from the important primary state, South Carolina. Adding to his list of influential politicians, Rubio has picked up Governor Bobby Jindal (Louisiana)l, Senator Debbie Fischer (Nebraska), Former Senator Rick Santorum (Pennsylvania), Senator Pat Toomey (Pennsylvania), Senator Cory Gardner (Colorado), Senator Steve Daines (Montana), and Senator James Risch (Idaho). Whiile there are many more of his colleagues to go, senators who are coming out in support of a candidate seem to be behind their colleague versus other politicians. Besides Clinton, Rubio has the most endorsements out of any candidate in the race.

While this would normally be fantastic news, and may be a preview of who we can actually expect to be the nominee, these endorsements are also an example of why Rubio is not in first. It goes for the same with Clinton, many voters want a candidate this election cycle that is not part of this Washington circle, and therefore, will not participate in “politics as usual.”

The nominations will prove the real energy behind this movement against the Washington political power machine, and whether or not voters on a whole really break out, or if they will just continue with what makes most sense and is comfortable. For Republicans and Democrats, the two candidates seem to be Rubio and Clinton. But according to the polls, they are going to have to convince many voters that although they are cozy with the establishment politicians, they will not be overly influenced by them.

No one could predict the election would be this way, or that the political environment would want so much change. Not change like President Obama promised, but change within the party and the type of leadership in Washington. And for this reason, endorsements are a blessing and a curse this election cycle. They are a blessing in that an endorsement from a high ranking politician means you will more than likely gain their voters, but a curse because many voters want someone who does not need this.